Medical Dosimetrist

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the general direction of the Chief Medical Dosimetrist, work from information furnished by physicians for planning the radiation treatment of patients. Develop and present a series of plans of therapy for appraisal and approval of the attending physician or group critique. Provide control liaison between the attending physician and therapist treating the patient.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Responsibilities

• 1. Develops 2-D and 3-D external beam treatment plans for the approval of radiation oncologists either manually or utilizing a digital computer. Assists radiation oncologist in delineating target volume and potentially critical structures, using patient contours, radiographs, CT scans and other diagnostic studies including CT-MRI registration based on age-specific criteria of patients (see addendum). Explains treatment plan of patient to technical staff to assure accuracy and reproducibility of the patient set-up.
• 2. Ascertains that equipment and treatment rooms are properly prepared for the planned course of treatment. Fabricate a variety of devices to assure patient set-up reproducibility and to shape x-ray beams as required by specific treatment plans.
• 3. Reviews simulation and port films to assure accurate reproduction of treatment plan. Calculates radiation treatment machine meter settings required by treatment plan, documenting information in patient's therapy chart.
• 4. Transfers Rx data electronically through the use of record- and verify systems.
• 5. As requested by attending radiation oncologists, performs in-vivo dose verifications, measuring doses directly on patient during the course of radiation treatment.
• 6. Consults with radiation oncologist concerning radioactive implant sites, volume studies, materials, and the proposed dose distribution. Generates computerized pre-implant brachytherapy plans for both LDR and HDR treatments, as requested.
• 7. Prepares implant apparatus and maintains inventory to assure that correct amount and type of radioactive material will be available to the oncologist.
• 8. Assists radiation oncologist in the operating room and GammaMed Suite with the loading of implant apparatus and the handling of radioactive material.
• 9. Performs required health physics measurements of patient exposure rates and safety surveys of equipment and operating room. Assists in the loading and removal of temporary implants.
• 10. Documents the amount and type of radioactive material used. Prepares all paperwork in accordance with established Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulations.
• 11. Supervises the documentation of final implant placement by radiographs or CT scans. Identifies the location of radioactive sources on final placement films or CT scans and calculates post-implant dosimetry dose for presentation to radiation oncologist.
• 12. Maintains radioactive storage areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition, ordering supplies as needed.
• 13. Performs all activities involving patient interactions using standard operating procedures.
• 14. Participates in brachytherapy conference, presenting implant isodose distributions for discussion and review by staff oncologists.
• 15. Participates in Yale New Haven Hospital Regional Treatment Planning Program. Performs external beam treatment planning, interstitial and intra-cavitary implant Dosimetry and x-ray beam blocking for regional hospitals. Transmits information to participating hospitals. Discusses plans with the referring oncologist to assure mutual understanding of information.
• 16. Verifies patient meter setting calculations. Reviews and accurately maintains patient treatment records on a weekly basis to assure correct treatment and dosage notation.
• 17. Performs weekly back-up and quality assurance procedures on computerized treatment planning data.
• 18. Attends and presents Dosimetric information as New Patient Conference. Attends weekly Chart Round Conference. Receives and responds to inquiries regarding patients' treatment parameters.
• 19. Participates in the clinical instruction of resident physicians, therapy and Dosimetry students. Actively participates in the interview and acceptance of students in the Yale New Haven Hospital Dosimetry Training Program.
• 20. Attends bi-weekly Physics Section Staff meeting. Participates in development and reform of departmental policies and procedures.
• 21. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a manner that ensures customer satisfaction and promotes positive and constructive working relationships within the department and throughout the external medical community.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or an accredited radiation therapy technology program (with certification in radiation therapy technology), supplemented by successful completion of a Dosimetry training program. On-the-job training for a period of two (2) years may be substituted for formal Dosimetry training. Certification by Medical Dosimetry Certification desirable Board but not required.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Dosimetrist or a minimum of three (3) months of comprehensive training as obtained in a formal Dosimetry program.

LICENSURE

Certification by Medical Dosimetry Certification Board desirable but not required.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Perform computerized and manual external beam and brachytherapy planning. Demonstrate knowledge of medical physics, clinical oncology, radiographic anatomy and health physics. Interpersonal communication skills.

YNHHS Requisition ID

185729